With the world of tennis often feeling like it has a big gap between the elite and the rest, it’s positive to see a gradual shift. In the last few years, shock reverses for the major legends like Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic have become more common. While some see it as down to the fact that the ‘big three’ are getting on a bit, ATP hotshot Karen Kachanov believes it’s because the top young talent aren’t that far behind in terms of talent.

Speaking about it to RBC Sport, the Russian, who is number 8 in the world rankings, said: “It would be great to be able to secure my place in the top-ten, considering that I did not start the season well,” Khachanov told RBC Sport.

“Last year my goal was to finish in the top 20, and I finished 11th. If you can end up with a better goal than you proposed, then even better, but you can not take anything for granted because everything can change in a tournament.

“I would love to be able to meet my goals while the big three continues to play. I am happy to play against them in several tournaments, having won against Djokovic in Paris.

“Yes, they are the ones who win the Grand Slams, but if you notice, [Alexander] Zverev, [Stefanos] Tsitsipas, [Daniil] Medvedev, these players are the ones who are already in the top ten with the rest of the legends.”